Crime & Safety
Ex-NJ Couple, Forced To Move Because Of Sandy, Murdered: Police
The two were beaten to death with a hammer, and a third person died after setting himself on fire, police said. Four pets were also killed.
PENNSYLVANIA – A couple who reportedly moved from New Jersey because of Superstorm Sandy were fatally beaten to death with a hammer this week, police said.
The Pennsylvania couple, Joanne Deluca, 63 and Ira Reed Jr., 60, were both killed at their home on the 900 block of Chestnut Street in Union Township, Pa. while a third person died after setting himself on fire in the garage.
Police say the third person also killed two dogs by slitting their throats, and stomped two cats to death.
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The incident happened Saturday when police were called to the home at 5:30 p.m. and found the couple in the living room and the third person in the garage, police said.
Neighbors told The Associated Press that the couple and an adult son moved there several years ago from South Jersey after losing their home in Superstorm Sandy.
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"One of our veteran investigators said it was the worst crime scenes he has ever seen," Trooper David C. Beohm said during a press conference.
This is a developing story. Patch will have more information as it comes in.
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